Ravenna FC unveil Brazilian great Ronaldinho as a new signing at 46
Italian third-tier club Ravenna announced the signing of Ronaldinho, 46, more than a decade after his last professional match.
This summary was written by AI to complete the context; it is not based on a current source.
Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC announced in June 2026 that it had signed Ronaldinho, the Brazilian former Barcelona and Brazil national team star. He was 46 and had not played professionally since a spell with Fluminense in 2015.
The player was presented at an event in Miami, where he held up Ravenna shirts. He said he was excited to bring joy to the club. The club is led by Ignazio Cipriani, linked to the Cipriani restaurant brand, and was preparing for the 2026–27 season under coach Andrea Mandorlini.
What the deal meant on the pitch was initially unclear. Vice-president Ariedo Braida first suggested Ronaldinho would not feature in Serie C (Italy's third tier) matches, then left the door open. Some reports described his role as largely promotional, while others said he was registered as a player and might appear in at least one league game.
The move drew wide attention because of Ronaldinho's fame as a World Cup winner and former Ballon d'Or holder, and it set up the question of whether he would really return to competitive football.
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Ronaldinho's comeback with Ravenna FC · 3 updates
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